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ENVIRONMENT

DEM’s Coit named ‘Boater of the Year’

THE R.I. MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION has named DEM Director Janet Coit its Boater of the Year, pictured here with Steve Hall, the chief of DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at the opening of the Providence Boat Show, where she was given the award.

PROVIDENCE – R.I. Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit has been named the John H. Chafee Boater of the Year by the R.I. Marine Trades Association.

The award, which was presented at the Providence Boat Show Friday morning, recognizes and honors an individual who has contributed to the success of the recreational boating industry in Rhode Island or who has championed the cause to the public.

DEM has worked in partnership with RIMTA over the years on “numerous efforts” to promote safe and clean harbors, according to a release.

Coit said in a statement that the organization has been a key player in the effort to rid the Rhode Island shoreline of accumulated marine debris through the Project Clean Sweep program.

According to a release, Coit also noted that RIMTA advocated for a new law and funding mechanism designed to address abandoned vessels that pose a hazard to recreational boating navigation.

Coit said the issue was important to DEM as well as RIMTA and municipal harbormasters. She also credited RIMTA leadership for their efforts in getting the legislation passed by the General Assembly last year.

RIMTA President Andy Tyska presented the award to Coit at the conclusion of the trade association’s 6th annual Industry Roundtable session. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the Providence Boat Show took place immediately following the presentation.

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